Travel Guide
Explore Gyeongbokgung Palace After Dark: Top Reasons to Visit at Night
Irene
September 12, 2024
Visiting the palace during the day is certainly beautiful, but the night view offers something truly different. As the sun sets, the palace becomes illuminated by soft lighting that highlights its intricate architecture and ancient beauty. The contrast between the glowing palace structures and the night sky creates a serene and almost magical atmosphere. Walking through the palace grounds at night, you experience Seoul in a way that feels peaceful and distant from the usual hustle and bustle of the city, allowing you to appreciate the site in a new light—literally.
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Gyeongbokgung, the largest and most iconic of Seoul’s Five Grand Palaces, was built in 1395 during the Joseon Dynasty. It served as the primary royal residence for centuries and has witnessed both Korea’s rise and struggles throughout its long history. While much of the palace was destroyed during the Japanese occupation, restoration efforts have returned it to much of its former glory. Today, it stands as one of the top historical sites to visit in Korea.
The limited evening openings at Gyeongbokgung offer a rare chance to wander through the palace grounds when it’s quieter, cooler, and beautifully lit. The soft lighting accentuates the palace’s intricate architecture, and the stillness of the night makes the experience feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
Imagine walking through the palace gates as the evening lights reflect off the calm waters of Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, or seeing the towering Gwanghwamun Gate illuminated against a backdrop of the night sky. The atmosphere at night is completely different from the day—calmer, more serene, and utterly enchanting.
Evening admission is only available for a limited time each year, making it a unique experience that even many locals haven’t had the chance to enjoy.
Fall night admission is open from September 11 to October 27, 2024, from 7PM to 9PM. Make sure to plan ahead, as tickets must be purchased in advance, and entry closes at 8:30PM. Night admission is not available on Mondays, Tuesdays, and select dates (September 19 and October 9).
For foreigners, there’s also the option to buy tickets onsite, but only 300 tickets are available daily.
This experience is perfect for families too. If you have children under 6 or anyone over 65 years old, they can enter for free. And if you really want to embrace the experience, wear a traditional Korean Hanbok for free entry as well.
Gyeongbokgung Palace is more than just a beautiful building. Built in 1395, it served as the royal residence for centuries during the Joseon Dynasty. Visiting the palace at night allows you to soak in centuries of history while avoiding the daytime crowds. The illuminated buildings and quiet courtyards give you a different perspective on the palace and its place in Korean history.
Don’t miss out on this limited-time opportunity to explore Gyeongbokgung Palace after dark! Be sure to bring your passport or ID and arrive early if you want to buy your ticket onsite (foreigners only).
Cover photo source: Korea.net
